Outside of Vons

Gabrielle and I crouched behind her dad's Plymouth Duster

sharing Ding Dongs

with chocolate smeared on both our chins and noses

Her Dad wore a frown as he

dragged me in to say sorry to the manager who made me walk

around in shiny handcuffs

He grabbed the microphone announced my story

No longer drawing on the wall or pooping in the trash can

A three-year-old red-handed thief and anyone could guess

Someday I'd get



Kicked Out Kicked Out of Kindergarten Kicked Out



I started school

saw the principal for crimes like blowing bubbles in milk or

having mud fights or spitting on blonde braided Karen Edwards

"Next time you'll get swats," he growled I'd be good for a week.

Until one day, the red... plastic box said "pull" I had to pull it

The ringing bells poured kids out every building

The office lady cried out "There's a family that's burning

While all the fire trucks race here to douse your false alarm."

That day I was Kicked Out...

Is it my genes? Or some faulty wiring in my head?

Maybe mom skipped church one week when she was sixteen

and I'm her punishment.

All through my schools

Every teacher knew my name on the first day of class

I learned the paddle hung on the office wall was not symbolic

At ten voted president but then impeached for a peace

sign I flashed in the 6th grade panoramic student photo

I got 3 days to contemplate my outlook

My Mom told me repent and read The Miracle of Forgiveness

But how could I start fresh and join upright society?

I knew I was Kicked Out...